Washington Capitals News

Chychrun was a minus-3 last night in Chicago and will get the night off tonight in St. Louis. Kevin Connauton is expected to draw in and replace the third-year defenseman, who has five goals and 14 assists (19 points) in 47 games this season.

With Antti Niemi struggling mightily as of late, Lindgren comes up as a third goalie and could give Carey Price some rest down the stretch. The 25-year-old has gone 11-14-1 with a 2.94 GAA and 884 SV% in the AHL this season and is 7-8-2 with a 2.78 GAA and .914 SV% in 17 career NHL appearances.

The Capitals waived Devante Smith-Pelly on Wednesday, trying to clear space to add Hagelin, beefing up their bottom-6. The 30-year-old has tremendous speed but has struggled offensively this season, scoring just two goals with six assists (eight points) in 38 games.

Oshie was forced to leave Sunday’s game with an upper-body injury after playing just 7:10 TOI and his status for Monday’s game remains in question. Head coach Todd Rierden said that he doesn’t think Oshie will be out long-term but that he will be re-evaluated on Monday. It seems highly unlikely that Oshie will suit up but monitor his status as puck-drop draws near.

Eller was forced to leave Friday’s game with lower-body injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bruins. Eller missed Saturday’s practice but skated on his own beforehand and could be an option on Sunday. Alex Ovechkin will replace Eller if he’s unavailable.

The injuries continue to pile-up for Arizona, who are without Chychrun, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jason Demers on the blueline as they head to San Jose. “He tweaked something and we just want to nip it in the bud,” head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters.

The Capitals return to the ice on Friday and Ovechkin will not play vs. the Flames. With their top-left winger out, Chandler Stephenson will move to the top-line with Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie. Ovechkin will be back in the lineup Sunday vs. the Bruins.

Chychrun was listed as a game-time decision due to a minor undisclosed injury but appears set to take on the Senators tonight. Chychrun has recorded three goals and seven assists (10 points) in 30 games this season.

Chychrun missed Monday’s practice with what the Coyotes described as “maintenance” but now he’s listed as a game-time decision for Tuesday’s contest in Ottawa. Chychrun is goalless with three assists in his last 10 games.

Backstrom missed Tuesday’s game due to an illness but skated in Wednesday’s optional practice and said he’s feeling better and thinks he’ll play on Thursday.

Backstrom will not skate this morning and is considered a game-time decision due to illness. Nic Dowd would likely draw into the Capitals lineup to replace Backstrom if he can’t go.